Noah shrugs. "Don't know. Does it matter?"
I measure my words. "It does. I'm not okay with teen boys and girls alone in a home."
"Josh's dad will be there."
Ugh. I've observed how he pays attention during church.
"You can go to Jack Frosty's. After that, I'd like you to come home." I look up to the boy-man towering over me.
He stops fidgeting. "C'mon, we're just going to play video games." His voice raises an octave despite voice changes.
"I understand, but I was a teen once. Temptation to find trouble is there, and I'm trying to be proactive. If you want to go to Jack Frosty's, we should go.” I reach for my purse so I can dig out my keys.
Will stands up.
Noah sighs. "You don't trust me."
Just what I want to return home to.
I fold my arms. "I'm not going to argue with you. Either you're going to the restaurant now, or you're not."
Noah heads to the coat rack and grabs his hoodie. I’m pretty sure I caught an eye roll as he passed by.
Will follows him and he reaches for his coat.
"Will? What are you doing?" My keys jangle.
"Taking him to his friends."
Now my hands are on my hips. "You don't have to. I'm here." Jenna's earlier words feel like the noose against the knots in my stomach.
Will stops so fast he lurches forward. "I want to help."
I suck in a deep breath. The night is spiraling faster than the beauty school staircase. "I know. Thank you. It's just—I miss Noah. I want to spend some time with him."
"Then he should stay here all night and not go out." Will counters.
My hoodie-wearing teen sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "Great."
"Will. I appreciate all you've done, but this is what I do. You don’t have to run Noah around now that I’m back.”
Will sighs and shakes his head as he zips up his coat. The tan color of his Carhartt jacket offset his eyes, but they aren’t filled with the joy I’m so used to seeing. “Carla, you don’t get it, do you? And what scares me is I’m not sure you ever will. Or want to.”
Noah's eyes widen, and Will pushes on the door, leaving.
Without saying a word.
Chapter Six
With frost etched on my bedroom window, my first thought Saturday morning is, Forgive me, God. Will being upset with me means I don’t have to go ice fishing.
I procrastinate getting out of bed, the electric blanket is such a comfort in my sixty-five- degree room. I push last night’s exchange with Will out of my mind, but then Daniel’s taunts take their place. Not the weekend I wanted.
“Mom?” Noah’s voice accompanies solid knocking on my door.
“Come in.” I click off the blanket in hopes that it motivates me out of bed.
Noah’s wearing what he calls his “Saturday sweats,” complete with a Giants hoodie. His tousled hair hangs in his eyes, but he brushes it back as he sits at the foot of my bed.
“I’m sorry that our arguing caused a fight between you and Will.”
I bite my lip. “Me too, Bud. I’d love to tell you I’m a relationship expert, but I’m far from it. I know worry isn’t right, but you’re close to the age where I started to struggle and ultimately made selfish choices. I don’t want that to happen to you. And with Will, I’m not used to having long term support. I need to work on that.”
He pulls the strings on his sweatshirt. “Do you feel bad about your past?”
A sigh escapes as fast as air leaks out of a balloon. “Every day.”
“Does that mean you regret me?” He looks to the floor.
A feather could knock me over.
How is it I seem to make things worse so easily?
“Honey. Noah. Look at me.” I throw the blanket to the side and slide closer to my teen. Reaching for his chin, I lift it for a moment so we can see eye-to-eye. “I still feel shame that I ignored principles my parents taught me. You know, ‘don’t awaken love early’ kind of a thing. But not you. Not ever. You’re the best thing that’s happened to me.”
A dimpled smile appears. “Josh said there’s a girl in Wells that’s our age and pregnant. I think of how hard it had to be for you in high school.”
Flashes of kids pointing and me hiding during gym class pass my eyes. “You were worth the challenges.”
“Are you and Will over?”
I stand and walk over to my robe, fastening it over my flannel pajamas. “No. I don’t think so. Maybe. I’m not sure.”
Noah nods and heads toward the door. “He’s a good guy.” His heavy footprints travel down the hardwood hallway. “For someone who always wears hunting gear.”
⌛⌛⌛
Leave it to Jenna to orchestrate a gathering later in the afternoon so Will and I can talk.
“I was nervous wondering if you guys wanted to come over to Ben’s for dinner. I thought you’d want to be alone, or just the three of you.”
I run my fingers through my still unwashed hair. “It was tense last night. Noah even asked if Will and I are through, and I didn’t have an answer.” I shift the phone to my other ear as I tie my shoe.
“That settles it. Ben will call Will and invite him. You and Noah come over so things with Will can smooth over. Then, we can steal away to Ben’s study and work on wedding plans.”
A cough rises up from the pit of my stomach. “Wedding? My goal tonight is to get Will to talk to me again.”
Jenna’s sigh comes through the receiver loud and clear. “Not your wedding, Carla. Mine. Remember? I’m engaged.”
Oh. Right.
Three hours after my Saturday run and shower, Noah and I make the trek up Panther Mountain to Ben’s massive cabin. We weren’t even at the porch to knock when through the bay window I spot Ben wrapping his arms around Jenna and leaning in for a kiss.
“This night isn’t going to be uncomfortable at all.” I mutter, taking my time to reach the door.
“You say something?” Noah takes the porch steps two at a time and knocks.
“Nothing worth repeating.”
Ben opens the door and I’m immediately met with a chili aroma full of onions and tomato sauce. Nothing like comfort food.
“Hey, Carla. Noah. Glad you were able to join us. Will should be here any minute.” He takes our coats and hangs them in the closet.
“Great. Thanks.”
Jenna rounds the corner and greets me with a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I know it hasn’t been that long, but I miss seeing you during the week.”
“I’m sure wedding planning has kept you busy.” I give her a slight push on the arm.
She rolls her eyes. “Guilty. Still, I’m so glad you’re here.” She takes me by the elbow and leads me to the dining room while Ben and Noah linger in the mud room.
“Hey, Mom. I think I see Will coming up the driveway.” Noah’s voice deepens, another sign my baby is disappearing.
Jenna lets go and faces me. “Carla, Will is nuts about you. The man is taking care of your son while you’re away.”
I raise my hands in defense. “I know. I owe him an apology.”
A door slams outside just as Jenna squeals. “Maybe we can have a double wedding.”
I’m tempted to toss my best friend in the snow to cool her down.
⌛⌛⌛
Making things right with Will doesn’t take too long to initiate. He saunters into the dining room, and I realize Jenna’s nowhere to be found. Or Ben. Not even Noah is nearby.
“So. About last night.” I start as slow as a car on a winter’s morning.
Will jams his hands in his pockets. He looks adorable with his trimmed beard. “Yeah. It wasn’t quite the homecoming I was hoping for.”
“I’m sorry. I overreacted. I’m not used to having someone around to help. I’m also not ready for Noah and his teenage adventures.” While I talk, I close the gap between us.
“Carla, I didn’t handle last night well either. I’m so excited for you and
all God is doing. I know it’s a busy time, and I want to help. My hope is that you would factor me into things. Want me to do things just because.” He takes his hands out of his pockets and reaches for mine.
“Will you be patient with me as I work on that?” I can barely get the words out with him so close.
“You got it.” His voice seems huskier and sends a chill down my spine.
“Forgive me?” I whisper.
“Already have.”
Just as our lips touch, the trio that couldn’t be found suddenly reappears. I turn to Jenna who gives two thumbs up and mouths, “double wedding.”
⌛⌛⌛
Since we spent Saturday evening with Ben and Jenna, Will and I decide to spend time together with Noah after church.
“I make a mean brunch. How about you two come over?” Will zips up his winter coat as others stream out of their pews.
Noah looks to me and nods.
“Sounds good. A full belly might help me forget that I have to leave you two in a few hours.”
“We’ll be okay. Don’t worry.” Noah playfully brushes against my arm.
Will chuckles. “I think it’s a struggle for her being away all week.”
I try to think happy thoughts. A nice landlady, albeit a bored one. School isn’t bad.
“It’s not like Mom’s alone. There’s that guy you were talking about.” Noah announces, opening the church doors. An icy wind blows through the lobby.
Will closes the doors, keeping us inside. “Huh? What guy?”
The image of Daniel at the sink, flailing his arms around as he brags about being the best shampooer is all I need to share to convince Will there is zero need to worry. Although male stylists have a reputation in their dating preferences, Daniel seems to enjoy the company of women. Except mine. And that’s okay with me.
“Daniel’s in my class. He’s from Lake George. Uptight and arrogant. He can’t string two compliments in a row together for me, so really, no worries.”
“Do you do a lot together outside of class?” I can’t read anything from Will’s steady voice.
Noah looks around like he needs an excuse to leave.
I bite my lip as I think. “No, as a group we did a little studying but really, he has the personality of a porcupine.” I stand next to Will and give him a peck on the cheek. “There’s only one guy for me and it isn’t Daniel.”
Noah grins. “It’s me, right?”
I clear my throat and watch Will study me as he waits for my answer. “Right. Okay, there’s only two guys for me.”
I promise, I’m going to get this three-of-us thing to sound natural.
Chapter Seven
Daniel looks as serious as a head cold when Les claps his hands first thing Monday and announces the topic of the day.
“Think you know everything about shampoos?”
Mitzi raises her hand. “Yes?” She answers before our teacher can call on her.
“Ms. Davis, it was a rhetorical question. Even so, you’re wrong. There is one element to a good shampoo most stylists ignore. It makes the difference between someone who cuts hair to a stylist who gets regular calls. Today is about pressure points.”
I try to position myself near Ella but Sandy apparently wants the mannequin with the black hair.
Daniel’s smile looks smug as he claims a blond head. “It’s true. I heard the best tips go to the shampoo person or stylist that uses pressure points.”
I resist rolling my eyes as I find a red head to practice on.
Les takes small steps from left to right, stopping in between to demonstrate. “The stylist uses the perfect balance of gentleness and strength. Now, you try. Remember what you learned last week about shampoos, though.”
I grab the sample bottle I feel matches my ginger model. The sink knob sticks, but of course as soon as it gives, water shoots forward.
Daniel’s sigh echoes over the water. “You’re doing it wrong.”
I shut the water off and hiss back. “I know. Pay attention to your station.”
“I can’t, I’m distracted by being wet. It’s more than you turning the water on like a gun shot, you didn’t cape your client.”
I hate missing the obvious.
Once I rectify that situation, I turn the water on with a bit more finesse, giving my girl a decent soaking. Time to pour a dime’s worth of the cleaning product in my palm and begin the process. My hands start near the forehead.
“Miss Rowling, you can sit down.” Mr. Moore checks something off on his clipboard.
My jaw lowers, but I obey.
“Mitzi and Claire, you two may also sit down. Everyone else, stop. But remain standing.”
My eyes dart back and forth, focused on the standing, and the teacher. I glance at Ella, who keeps her gaze on her mannequin.
“Mitzi, you were doing everything right until pressure points. Don’t start at the forehead.”
She snaps her fingers.
Les moves to Claire’s head.
“You didn’t test the water. You easily could have burned your client. You must always test the water. Carla, you didn’t cape. Daniel was right.”
“Told you.” Daniel’s sing-song voice isn’t appealing.
“The rest of you, you had the correct procedure, including pressure points.”
I look at who the winners are.
Ella. Sandy. Daniel.
Les continues. “Let’s see. Sandy, you can wash Claire. Ella, take Mitzi. Daniel, that leaves Carla. Those of you getting a wash, pay attention to how the water feels; notice their fingers and the direction they move. Okay, everyone. You may begin.”
Daniel remains quiet as he capes me, adjusts the chair, and wets my hair. Within moments I feel strong fingers lathering and circling my skull. I close my eyes. The wider his circular patterns, the more relaxed I feel. I’m nearly asleep when my phone chirps Will’s ringtone.
“My phone. It’s in my pocket.” I wiggle my hand through my right side, splattering suds as I move my head.
“Carla, come on.” Daniel’s frustrated whine lingers on the outer fringe of my concentration.
I finally pulled the phone out to hear Will’s rushed words. “It’s Noah.”
A minute later, sudsy drops fall to the pavement as I listen to Will while pacing in the parking lot.
“He’s okay, but he had a little accident.”
My years on patrol processing a scene give my imagination too much fodder. “What kind of accident? Is he okay?” I reach for my hair to run my hands through it, but the wet shampoo stops me.
“He’s lab partners with that girl he likes. He wasn’t paying attention and mixed two chemicals that he shouldn’t have. It produced something of a smoke bomb. They called the paramedics…”
“Wayne.” Noah’s dad would have the day shift.
Will clears his throat. “Yes. Peterson was on the scene and took charge. Noah’s fine. Smoke inhalation and some burning of the eyes.”
I walk back toward the building. “Okay, Will. Thanks. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Carla, wait. Wayne asked me to call you just so you’d know. He assured me all was well and you weren’t needed. I, uh, believe him. The part about Noah being okay.”
I close my eyes and make a fist with my free hand. “He was in a chemical related accident. It sounds like they have him here in Gloversville. I can get in my squad…” A stray tear falls down my right cheek as reality hits. “Right. I’m not a sheriff. But as a mom I can be there…”
“Sweetie, Noah truly sounded fine. If anything, he’s getting attention from Brittany because he got hurt on their project. She was at another table comparing notes with her best friend. Do you want me to do anything?”
I sigh, brushing away the tear. “I’ll call Wayne and let you know. If Noah wants to stay with his dad, I’m okay with it.” But I am going to see my boy.
“Works for me if it works for you.” Will, always so good-natured.
“It does. For now. Thank
s for calling.”
“Anytime. Don’t worry. I know it’s hard. And Carla?”
I flex my hand. “Yes?”
“I love you.”
I hang up before I can reply, my feet already back inside the demo area.
All eyes seem to zoom on me, even as I return to my station in hopes Daniel can rinse my hair.
Les speaks before Daniel. “Everything okay, Miss Rowling?”
“No. I mean yes. My son had an accident at school.”
Mitzi’s eyes widen. “Oh my goodness, is he okay?”
“I’ve been told he is.” I look straight at my teacher.
“Do you need to be excused to find out for sure?” Mr. Moore’s eyes seem compassionate, like a father. Unlike my dad.
“Thank you. I’ll feel better seeing for myself.” I turn around and face Daniel. “You can finish.”
Daniel nods and turns the water back on while I lean back into the sink. After a few seconds he returns to massaging my head, rinsing the suds out. As relaxing as his magic fingers are, I can’t stop thinking about Noah. Wayne. Will.
“I hope everything is okay with your son. Is he here in Gloversville?” Daniel’s voice is barely audible above the water.
I rise, but his grip on my head strengthens. “Yes. Smoke inhalation and burning in his eyes.”
The sink shuts off and a thick towel suddenly sits on top of my head. “My father is an ER doc there. I can call him, if you’d like.” Daniel’s voice sounds soft and kind.
I balance the towel as I sit up. “You would do that?”
He shrugs. “It’s an emergency, right?
I nod, my towel bobbing. “The crisis is over, but I guess it’s a peace of mind thing.”
“While you were outside Les said we were dismissed once the wash is over. Tomorrow you wash me, based on what you learned from my doing your hair. I can call my dad now.”
I bite my lip, willing the tears not to flow. “Daniel, thanks. I really appreciate it.”
He gives a reassuring smile and starts dialing.
⌛⌛⌛
Forty-five minutes later I thank Dr. Garrett for explaining Noah’s eye care and then I text Daniel to thank him for putting me in touch with his dad. I’m about to open the curtain to Noah’s area when my phone beeps.
Entangled: Surrendering the Past (Surrendering Time Book 2) Page 5